Obituary: Myrle Anne Welhaven

March 23, 1924 – March 18, 2020

Myrle Anne (Palmer) Welhaven, 95, died peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in Milwaukee to Donald and Bessie (Ericksen) Palmer. In 1941, her family moved to Sturgeon Bay, where Myrle graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1943.

On Dec. 29, 1945, Myrle married Jack Welhaven. They had a wonderful, event-filled marriage. They had two children together: Joanne, born on Dec. 5, 1946; and Greg, born on April 28, 1952.

Myrle lived a vibrant, active life. She worked with her father and husband in the cherry and apple orchard business at Big Hill Orchards until 1965. She was the first woman rural-route mail carrier in Sturgeon Bay, and she delivered mail for 13 years.

In addition to work, she believed in supporting her community. She also had many hobbies, which included a love of sailing, skiing and swimming. She bowled for more than 30 years and was a coin collector, weaver, spinner, knitter, painter and crafter. She also taught Hardanger for several years, including 12-plus years at Northwest Wisconsin Technical College in the Learning in Retirement program.

Myrle and Jack delivered Meals on Wheels for many years and square-danced together. She is a Past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star. She loved kids and working with them. She was a Bethel Guardian of Job’s Daughters, 4-H leader and den mother for Cub Scouts.

She was also a volunteer at the Miller Art Gallery and a member of the Peninsula Genealogical Society and Historical Society. Myrle was a charter member and past president of the Sons of Norway Lodge. For Door County, she started the Vile of Life. Jack and Myrle donated property to Habitat for Humanity. She loved music, especially big band music, and she loved to play games, but most of all, cribbage and Rummikub.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Donald Palmer II; and two sisters, Pat (Palmer) Olson and Rosemary “Mike” (Palmer) Foshion.

Myrle is survived by her daughter, Joanne (Welhaven) Coleman; son, Greg Welhaven; granddaughter, Amy Coleman of Albuquerque, New Mexico; grandson, Kevin (Jenny) Coleman; and great grandson, Gunnar Coleman of Rocklin, California.

Myrle will be laid to rest at a private service for family only. A memorial service will be announced and held later due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Donations may be made to the Shriners’ Children’s Hospital in memory of Myrle Welhaven.

We would like to extend our special thanks to the Unity Hospice for the care they showed Myrle and our family.

Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay is assisting the Welhaven family. Expressions of sympathy, memories and photos of Myrle can be shared through her tribute page at huehnsfuneralhome.com.

DONATIONS

Shriners’ Hospitals
Tel: 844.739.0849
Email: [email protected]
Web: shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/donate

***When donating directly to this organization, make sure to identify the Myrle Welhaven in the payment memo or as a special note.***